TAIPEI--HTC has named a new global comms head, following the recent departure of several senior executives from the struggling Taiwanese smartphone maker.

The company has hired Lorain Wong as VP of global PR, corporate and internal communications. Wong succeeds Jason Gordon, who stepped down from the company last month.

Unlike Gordon, Wong will be based in Taiwan, as part of a move to centralize the company's decision-making at its global HQ. She reports to CMO Benjamin Ho, who joined the company from Taiwanese mobile operator Far EasTone at the start of this year.

Wong joins HTC from Pacnet, where she was SVP of marketing and communications. Her 25-year career has also included stints at Asia Netcom, Qwest Asia and Global One Asia-Pacific.

She will be responsible for leading HTC's communication strategies globally --including public relations, media and analyst relations, corporate communications and issues management. In addition, she will oversee the company's internal communications function across all operating locations.

"Her unique and diverse background, coupled with strong global leadership and strategic communications experience will be an asset to the company as we further enhance our world-class technology and design to deliver innovative products to consumers worldwide," said HTC CMO Aside from Gordon, HTC chief product officer Kouji Kodera has also left the company, as has South Asia president Lennard Hoornick.

According to the WSJ, HTC's global market share has fallen by more than half since 2010, with the company hoping that its latest flagship One series will return it to a top-five ranking among smartphone makers.

The WSJ also reported that senior executives previously reported to operational head Jason MacKenzie, who was reassigned to sales support at the start of this year. Since then, these executives report directly to CEO Peter Chou in Taiwan.